Govt decides to act against cigarette manufacturing firms

ISLAMABAD: The federal government has decided to take action against cigarette manufacturing firms for violating anti-smoking laws.

The federal Ministry of Health wrote a letter to concerned departments of all provinces, directing them to launch a crackdown against cigarettes companies in the respective areas.

Annually, 1,50,000 people die of smoking in Pakistan, while 1,200 children start smoking on daily basis, the ministry stated in its letter.

Citing hazards of cigarette smoking, including cancer and heart ailment, the health department sought action against companies involved in the manufacturing of a life threatening product.

Moreover, with an aim to make the federal capital a smoke free city, the federal government has declared Shakarparian and Pakistan Monument smoke free zones.

Former Minister for National Health Services Aamir Mehmood Kiani had launched this campaign to discourage smoking in the capital.